Chapter 90:

Tess, witnessing Elyse’s defiance, grew furious, slamming her hand on the table. “Why won’t you comply? Do you want to embarrass our family?” The statement seemed ludicrous to Elyse. Performing would compromise her, utterly destroying Jayden's already precarious reputation with the Owen family. Elyse vowed never to let them strip him of his dignity through her actions.

In a cold, composed voice, she retorted, “Our family? Didn't you just refuse to acknowledge me as Jayden's wife? How can you now claim I'm a member? I wasn't hired to perform; I'm here as Jayden's wife for his grandfather's birthday. If you want entertainment, hire a performer. Don't ask me.”

Tess was taken aback by Elyse’s sharp tongue, her anger leaving her breathless. Julie attempted to escalate the conflict. “How can you be so disrespectful? She's your mother-in-law! Just perform; maybe she'll accept you as her daughter-in-law.”

Elyse remained unmoved. She knew they saw her as a joke, someone to mock and ridicule. In their eyes, Jayden was a failure, and she was unworthy. None of them had good intentions.

She responded calmly, “I don't need your validation. You didn't treat Jayden as family; did you ever take him seriously, considering his disability? You've never cared about him, so don't pretend to be benevolent. Your attitude means nothing to me.”

Julie hadn't expected such stubborn defiance and open criticism. They perceived Elyse as having low emotional intelligence, which, ironically, worked to their advantage. Julie and Seth exchanged glances; they needn't worry about Elyse. Even married to Jayden, she wouldn't trouble them.

Jessie remained silent, quietly sipping her tea, though a glint of cunning in her eyes was unmistakable.

Greg entered. "Dad, Mom, what's going on? Why are Uncle Andrew and Aunt Tess so upset?"

Brook followed. Seth, noticing Jayden and Enzo's absence, asked, "Where are Jayden and your grandfather?"

"Grandpa asked Jayden to stay; they're talking. He told us to wait in the dining room," Greg replied.

Everyone moved to the dining room. As Elyse stood, Bryce forcefully bumped her, nearly causing her to fall. He didn't look back, walking away with his parents.

Elyse fixed her gaze on his retreating figure. She recognized him; Driscoll had mentioned Jayden's younger brother, a student six years his junior. Her eyes turned cold. Just because Jayden was deemed useless, did that mean he deserved to be excluded? Their attitude was incredulous.

Brook approached. "Are you alright, Elyse?" he asked, offering a hand.

"I'm fine," she replied, keeping her distance.

"I'm glad. Waiting for Jayden?" Brook asked, his concern evident.

Elyse nodded. "Yes."

"Alright, I'll go then," he said, departing with his mother, Jessie.

Soon, Jayden returned, his face troubled. Elyse asked with genuine concern, "Are you okay? Did your grandfather say something?"

"It's alright. I'm just a useless man. What could he say?" Jayden looked at her before asking, "And you, are you alright?"

Elyse recounted the events, lowering her head and apologizing like a misbehaving child. "I was impatient and argued. I'm sorry."

Jayden smiled. "Why apologize? They're snarling beasts. If you don't stand up for yourself, they'll trample you. I was afraid they'd mistreat you, so I didn't confront them. But now I know you have a voice, and it gives me peace of mind."

Elyse felt a lump in her throat. "I spoke rudely to your parents. I hope that's not a problem."

Jayden reassured her. "Why apologize? Can't you see they only consider Bryce their son, not me?"

(...continued)